|
About UsAt Longview Grange our Fjords have the use of an outdoor dressage ring, miles of trails through woods and fields, a water hazard, 12 paddocks, 4 pastures, an indoor riding arena, and numerous stalls with private turn-outs. We are trained in equine-specific bodywork. We grow our own hay, and observe a rigorous schedule of nutritional, veterinary, dental, and farrier care and consultations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bob and Donna Long - Owners
Bob and Donna grew up in Wisconsin. A city girl, Donna always loved the outdoors and animals. Bob grew up in a rural area and wanted to pursue a career in in Orthodontics. They moved to Watertown in 1972 where they lived for 20 years. During that time, Bob and Donna bought an old farm outside of Watertown and began their renovation, rebuilding and remodeling. In 1992 they moved into their home, LongView Grange. After Bob and Donna moved to the farm they raised alpacas. In 2004 they bought three Norwegian Fjords. They eventually sold the alpacas and started raising horses. Their passions are horse breeding and competitive driving. |
|
Vanessa Ries - Lead Trainer
Vanessa has been around and surrounded by horses for as long as she's able to recall. "I've been riding with my mother since I could sit up," Vanessa said. "I did the typical and expected 4H and other youth activities and eventually went to work for my parents' harness manufacturing company." During her tenure hand-crafting specialty tack, Vanessa became immersed in the equine driving world. Prior to that, she and her American Saddle Horse mare, CH Attaches Magic Asset, rode all the way to the World Championship Horse Show in Kentucky. There they took Reserve World Champion in the Show Pleasure Division. Vanessa studied equine massage with Norwegian Fjord evaluator Karen Mass. Today she oversees the daily training and management of more than two dozen Fjords of all ages. |
Ellisa Johnson - Equine Nutrition Consultant joined Long View Grange in April 2016 as on-site nutrition consultant. With 38 years of equine experience including consulting, stallion management and competitive endurance riding, Ellisa is instrumental in keeping our Fjords performing in top condition. Ellisa has worked closely and collaborated with several feed manufacturers, PhD's, veterinarians and top-level riders and brings her wealth of professional experience and overall equine knowledge to Long View Grange.
Ellisa Johnson - Equine Nutrition Consultant joined Long View Grange in April 2016 as on-site nutrition consultant. With 38 years of equine experience including consulting, stallion management and competitive endurance riding, Ellisa is instrumental in keeping our Fjords performing in top condition. Ellisa has worked closely and collaborated with several feed manufacturers, PhD's, veterinarians and top-level riders and brings her wealth of professional experience and overall equine knowledge to Long View Grange.
Ryan Ziarkowski has been Bob's successful navigator for years. When he's not helping Bob win blue ribbons he works as Equipment Coordinator for Michels Corporation. Although Ryan owns his own horse, he eventually want toward his own race car. Until then he also enjoys kayaking, fishing and hunting.
Molly Hopkins is the newest member of the LVG driving team, and works as Vanessa's navigator. Vanessa, Molly and Reiki placed first in two of their first three events together. Molly also helps out with the LVG babies, broodmares, yearlings and puts rides on other horses as needed. Molly rescued her British warmblood, Boomer, when she was 11 and he was 4. They have competed in and won many Western events and they have recently discovered the joys of jumping. A graduate of Lawrence University, Molly is continuing on to earn a science major and then enroll in veterinary school.
Melissa Melcher works at LongView Grange and has been riding horses for almost as long as she can remember.She started showing in grade school and has competed in 4-H, open and state shows. She currently shows a 16-hand Appaloosa gelding in English events and showmanship. Melissa started working at LongView Grange two years ago.
Maddie Lee also helps out at LVG and has been riding since she was 8 years old. "I have always had a passion for anything and everything to do with horses," she said. Maddie has competed in hunter-jumper competitions and has done extensive equine-related service work. She has volunteered for such groups as Avalon TEC and LifeStriders Therapeutic Center and aspires to become an equine veterinarian.
Call LongView Grange at (920) 285-8745 or (262) 894-9198, or email us at lvgfarms@gmail.com
